Posted on: September 22, 2014
CoolCows_ski
Verified ownerGames: 1359 Reviews: 3
Despite the age, not to be missed
Unfortunately, I’ve only come to learn of Spiderweb Software just recently. After immensely enjoying the 2012 remake of Avernum, I took a chance with some of the earlier entries in the series. I wish I’d found these games sooner. Despite the simple game mechanics, lack of walking animation, and overall minimalist graphic direction, I have never been more compelled to return a game. I can speak only for Avernum 4-6 which are original adventures devoid of remakes. For anybody else backtracking from Escape from the Pit, these Avernum games use an older leveling system in which characters spend a large amount of points to create an initial character, and earn 5 points per level increase. After every 2 increases, the cost of a skill increases by 1. So once the cost of a skill reaches 6, you will need to save your points, or spend all but one and wait for the next level up to increase it. It is an interesting system that can result in poor parties later in the game. It took several restarts of Avernum 4 to fully create an functional party, but I have no gripes about it over the newer systems found in A:eftp and Avadon. Once you get used to it, you understand exactly how to develop each character and where to distribute those points. Almost right off the bat, Avernum 4 invites you to a world of mystery and horror in the form of lethal shades terrifying towns and sea monsters preventing ship travel. Though considered to be more combat focused in its nature, 4 still maintains a story of intrigue. However, the underground Chitrach tunnels can become a bit tedious. Avernum 5 introduced a new gameplay mechanic for warriors called battle disciplines to help diversify the extent of their abilities. Instead of just the default attack for warriors and archers in 4, battle disciplines help make these characters more fun and interesting to play as. Additionally, I enjoyed the story perspective as empire soldiers entering Avernum, and the fear and hostility radiated from the Avernites. Avernum 6 features a more colorful world, dual-wielding, and a great close to a long-running RPG series (as I’ve heard. I still have a ways to go). Jeff Vogel has a talent for writing games that hook you until you fall asleep at your desk. Though dated, I will most likely play Avernum 3 after the release of The Crystal Souls remake because I just can’t stay away. That, and because of the ungodly amount of content.
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